Estimator

Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.

Tasks

• Analyzes blueprints, specifications, proposals, and other documentation, to prepare time, cost, and labor estimates.
• Prepares estimates for selecting vendors or subcontractors, and determining cost effectiveness.
• Reviews data to determine material and labor requirements, and prepares itemized list.
• Prepares estimates used for management purposes, such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
• Prepares time, cost, and labor estimates for products, projects, or services, applying specialized methodologies, techniques, or processes.
• Computes cost factors used for preparing estimates for management and determining cost effectiveness.
• Conducts special studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or to effect cost reduction.
• Consults with clients, vendors, or other individuals to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
• Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Skills

• Using mathematics to solve problems.
• Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
• Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.

Abilities

• The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
• The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
• The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
• The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Work Activities

• Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Interests

• Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
• Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.